SECAUCUS, N.J. (JTA) — Once a year, this swampy neighbor of New York City turns into kosher food heaven. Jews from across the country gather at the Meadowlands Exposition Center for the world’s largest kosher food trade show, Kosherfest.
There’s plenty of nosherai, Yiddish and kippahs to go around at an event where attendees skew Orthodox and male. Some 300 exhibitors showed their products on Nov. 13-14 to an audience of some 5,000 food industry professionals, vendors and journalists.
JTA has rounded up some of the more unusual products at the 2018 Kosherfest, from plantain croutons to dessert ravioli and a menorah-shaped ice cream cake.
Home cooks looking to spice up their salads need look no further. These plantain croutons, which are manufactured in Ecuador and won Kosherfest’s award for the best new savory snack, pack a salty crunch and are gluten free. Plantain croutons are available in supermarkets throughout the U.S. for around $2.50 for a 5-ounce package. They are flavored with sea salt, but new flavors — including garlic, lemon and spicy — will hit stores soon. (Josefin Dolsten) 
Craving pasta but also in the mood for something sweet? These unique ravioli will satisfy your craving. The pasta is breaded and stuffed with sweet ricotta cheese and chocolate chips. They are sold frozen and can be heated up in the oven at home. New York Pasta Authority also sells more traditional flavors, such as spinach cheese, mushroom and pizza ravioli. The raviolis retail for about $5 for 12 ounces; the sweet variety will be available in about three months in kosher stores. (Josefin Dolsten) 
Klein’s Ice Cream gives sufganiyot a run for their money with a cake with slices that look like Chanukah menorahs. The pareve (non-dairy) and vegan dessert is made of cherry and passion fruit-mango sorbet and is topped with chocolate icing. The menorah cake is only sold around Chanukah, but those looking for a cold treat can buy other varieties of Klein’s Ice Cream year-round. A 12-slice log costs about $30 and is available in kosher supermarkets. (Josefin Dolsten) 
Betterine positions itself as the perfect solution for consumers who are looking for a non-dairy and all-natural butter substitute. It is made from coconut oil and is vegan, organic and GMO-free. The product will be available in two months in kosher stores across the country at a cost of about $5.80 for one pound. (Josefin Dolsten) 
These sambusaks taste just like the traditional Syrian savory meat- or cheese-stuffed dumpling — except they are gluten free. These gluten-free sambusaks, which are sold under the brand GlutenFree.sy, beat out regular pastries to snag Kosherfest’s new product award in the breads and baked goods category. They retail for $13.50 per dozen at kosher markets in the New York-area and are available with a cheese or meat filling. (Josefin Dolsten)
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